Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Banda Aceh (Fides Service) - UNICEF in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration IOM has started a programme to put in place 200 new temporary primary schools in areas around Aceh most seriously affected by the December 2004 tsunami. The schools will replace tent schools set up immediately after the tragedy. UNICEF will provide school furniture and material. UNICEF representative in Indonesia, Gianfranco Rotigliano, said the schools, which will cost a total 2.3 million dollars, circa 11,500 dollars per school, will be used while proper permanent schools are built. He said “UNICEF will spend 90 million dollars to build or repair 500 permanent primary schools in the next two years”.
Rotigliano said “while waiting for permanent buildings we aim to have 200 temporary schools ready by 18 July when the school year starts in Indonesia. It is essential to have a proper school environment more conducive to learning than a tent school”.
UNICEF has asked IOM to put up the temporary structures 200. The new permanent buildings will be anti-quake, building material will be purchased locally and local builders from the disaster struck area will be employed. Each temporary school has three classrooms where the education department will organise double timetables with six classes a day for a total 40,000 pupils. When the permanent schools are ready for use within the next two years the temporary buildings will be handed over to the local authorities for use as libraries, community centres and children’s centres.
Following the tsunami disaster UNICEF has supplied school books, equipment and recreational material enabling about half a million children over 70% all over the stricken province of Aceh to resume lessons.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/5/2005 righe 25 parole 302)
